Confusion surrounds Green Lovers play-off
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday May 12, 2015 18:02
The match was moved forth after Uniao Flamengo Santos won an appeal challenging Fighters’ position in the play-off.
Santos had argued Fighters were supposed to go through a play-off against the Gabane side to determine who faces Green Lovers.
Fighters had gained soft points after their match against Gantsi Terrors was abandoned during the season.
Lovers’ spokesperson, Othusitse Kootswele told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he was disappointed by the postponement of the play-off match.
He said the decision has adversely affected their plans for next season. Kootswele said his team did not receive official communication regarding the postponement.
“We only learnt about the postponement of the game through the media. Even as I speak to you right now, I do not know what is going on.
“The changes have affected us both financially and emotionally,” said a disappointed Kootswele.
He revealed that when they sought information from BFA, they were referred to First Division North chairperson, Eatametse Olopeng.
Olopeng, who is also a member of the BFA National Executive Committee (NEC), explained that initially they were not aware of Santos appeal and only learnt about it on Thursday.
He pointed out that he has advised the First Division South Committee to comply with the ruling, which is to fixture Santos and Fighters.
He said they expected the game to have been played this past Sunday, but that did not happen.
“The game could have been played to enable the promotion play-off to be played this coming weekend.
“I thought we had reached an agreement, but it is clear that was not the case. I do not know what is going on with the committee,” he said exasperatedly.
He said the other route is either for Fighters or the committee to appeal the ruling. Olopeng said if the committee has a problem interpreting the law, they should seek advice from the BFA legal advisor.
He said if the committee is not careful, the season might drag beyond the constitutional May 31 deadline.
He said the delay is affecting clubs because they should start preparing for next season.
Meanwhile, First Division South Committee chairperson, Sam Keitireng said he was aware that they should be done with the league by end of this month including holding an assembly.
He explained that his committee is yet to meet and map the way forward. “The DC has nullified our decisions which was to award three points and two goals to Fighters. We also suspended the Terrors player.
“The DC is saying that we were the wrong body to take that decision,” he said.
He promised that they will seek the services of the BFA legal advisor to assist in the matter.